On the Dash:
- Toyota and Joby formed a joint venture June 30 to build production infrastructure.
- Toyota contributes manufacturing expertise after nearly a decade backing Joby.
- The venture will expand capacity to support certification and growing demand.
Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation announced the initial phase of a strategic manufacturing alliance this week. The companies formed a joint venture aimed at advancing air mobility production.
The venture combines Joby’s electric aviation development with Toyota’s production systems and operational expertise. The initial focus is groundwork for commercial production. The companies said the partnership will also emphasize productivity, quality and cost improvements.
The joint venture will support expansion of Joby’s production capacity as the company works toward aircraft certification. Toyota said it expects demand for Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to grow.
Toyota has backed Joby for nearly a decade. The automaker has provided funding and manufacturing guidance as Joby developed its aircraft program.
Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, framed the deal as an extension of the automaker’s founding mission.
“Since our founding, we’ve been guided by the philosophy of providing mobility for all. Over time, we’ve continued to expand what mobility can mean. We see air mobility as a natural extension of that philosophy, from the ground into the sky, and as a way to bring new value to people’s lives and to society,” Toyoda said.
The companies said they will continue working together through the joint venture. Both sides plan to leverage their respective strengths as the effort moves forward.
Joby Aviation is developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi based in California.
Joby completed its first point-to-point electric air taxi flights in New York City in April. The flights connected JFK to Manhattan heliports. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey partnered on the demonstrations. The flights were part of the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
